Director of Communications

OUR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS POSITIONThe Director of Communications is the lead communications officer for Charles E. Smith Life Communities, responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a range of the organization’s complex communication needs, including but not limited to:Brand management: messaging, graphic imaging, corporate identity design for system and all entities and key revenue functions.Print, video, and electronic publications marketing, public relations, development, and other internal stakeholders (HR, operations, spiritual life)Digital media including website and social media.Press and media relations; reputation managementVendor management.The Director reports to the Vice President and works closely with other senior managers of CESLC and other directors in both high-level tasks regarding Communications strategy and individual projects. The Director is the main contact for media inquiries and is available and integral for crisis-management.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESProject management for assigned system-wide publications, projects, initiatives, and governance-related communications. Includes but is not limited to: website, annual report, LifeTimes magazine, HR communications, pitch kits and rate sheets, resident and family communications, operations and senior management support. Work includes managing all aspects: planning, writing, design, production, distribution, etc.Based on data and direction supplied by the VP and Director of Marketing, project management for sales and marketing, admission, and discharge materials, including photography, vendor coordination, production, dissemination, and inventory management.Working with senior management, nursing/housing administrators, and directors, development and implementation of system and entity-specific brand identities, messaging, and key communication strategies to align and support business key results consistent with organizational values. further develop and enforce CESLC Brand guide, Style Guide, and content development strategies that are nimble between platforms (web, print, electronic, and social media).Supervision of vendors, coordination of internal content development from all sources associated with services, events, and programs.Preparation and dissemination of all crisis communications response. Other duties as assigned in support of the mission of Charles E. Smith Life Communities.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEA minimum of 15 years of experience in communication, marketing, public relations, media relations, journalism, or similar industry, demonstrating continued growth in responsibility.Demonstrated experience in working with the press as a spokesperson or to place or develop supportive content about an organization or cause.Supervisory and project management experience in print, video, project production.Exceptional demonstrated written and oral communication skills in the English language.Excellent customer service orientation.Extraordinary attention to detail.Temperament suitable to working in what can be a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.Exceptional recognition of ethical and legal requirements of confidentiality in handling of sensitive information and situations.Fluency in MS Office products: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, MS Outlook.Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.Demonstrated familiarity with some aspect of our mission: Greater Washington philanthropy, Jewish organizations, seniors, healthcare, long-term care, public relations, or social service.Experience with Convio, evolving social media platforms, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or similar publishing and editing applications